Whether you’re running a gym, managing a school, or overseeing a healthcare facility, your locker room says a lot about your organisation. Get them wrong, and you’ll hear about it from users, staff, and health inspectors. Get them right, and they become a seamless part of your operation that people barely notice: which is exactly what you want.

The thing is, creating effective changing spaces isn’t just about throwing in some lockers and calling it done. You need to think about flow, security, hygiene, and accessibility from day one. And with the right approach, you can create spaces that work brilliantly for years to come.

Start With Your Users’ Journey

Before you pick a single piece of equipment, walk through what your users actually do. A gym member’s needs are completely different from a hospital worker’s or a school student’s.

In gyms, people arrive with bags, change into workout gear, store their belongings securely, then reverse the process whilst potentially sweaty. Schools need spaces that handle the morning rush of hundreds of students getting changed for PE in minutes. Healthcare settings require quick changes between shifts with robust hygiene protocols.

Map out the flow of your locker room: entrance, changing, storage, washing, exit. Each step should flow naturally into the next without bottlenecks or awkward crossovers. You’ll want at least 1.5 metres for main walkways and about 1.2 metres between locker rows: trust us, anything narrower creates chaos during busy periods.

Choose Your Storage Wisely

Steel lockers remain the gold standard for most applications, and there’s good reason for that. They’re robust, secure, and stand up to heavy use year after year. But the key is matching the locker type to your specific needs.

Cube lockers work brilliantly in gyms and leisure centres where people need space for bags, shoes, and clothes. The square format maximises storage whilst keeping the footprint compact. For schools, you might want taller, narrower lockers that accommodate bags and coats without wasting vertical space.

Consider secure storage features carefully. Basic key locks work fine for schools, but gyms often benefit from digital locks or RFID systems that eliminate the hassle of lost keys. Some facilities opt for coin-return mechanisms that encourage proper locker etiquette.

The materials matter too. Look for powder-coated steel that resists chips and scratches, and specify antimicrobial finishes where hygiene is critical. UK manufactured shelving and lockers often offer better customisation options and quicker delivery times than imports: something to consider when you’re working to tight deadlines.

Think Hygiene From The Ground Up

Hygiene isn’t an afterthought: it should drive many of your design decisions. Easy-clean shelving with smooth surfaces and minimal joints makes daily maintenance much simpler. Avoid materials that harbour bacteria or are difficult to disinfect properly.

Ventilation is crucial but often overlooked. Stagnant air creates unpleasant odours and can lead to mould problems. Plan for proper air circulation, and consider lockers with ventilation slots that allow air flow whilst maintaining security.

Antimicrobial finishes on high-touch surfaces like door handles, benches, and grab rails provide an extra layer of protection. They’re particularly important in healthcare settings but worth considering for any high-traffic facility.

Think about drainage too. Wet areas need proper drainage to prevent standing water, and the transition between wet and dry zones should be well-managed to avoid slippery surfaces.

Comfort and Privacy Matter

People change clothes differently now than they did 20 years ago. Expectations around privacy have shifted, and good design reflects this. Private cubicles or semi-enclosed changing areas make users more comfortable and can actually improve traffic flow by reducing hesitation and bottlenecks.

Benches are essential: plan for about one linear metre of bench space for every three to four lockers. Position them where people can sit without blocking walkways. Fixed benches work well in most settings, but removable options give you flexibility for cleaning or reconfiguring the space.

Don’t forget about hooks and shelves within your locker room. People need somewhere to hang clothes whilst changing, and small shelves for phones, keys, or toiletries make the space much more user-friendly.

Accessibility Isn’t Optional

Your locker rooms need to work for everyone, and that means following accessibility guidelines properly. This isn’t just about compliance: it’s about creating inclusive spaces that work for users of all abilities.

Lower lockers should be available at heights accessible to wheelchair users (typically 1.2 metres maximum height). You’ll also need adequate manoeuvring space: at least 1.5 metres clear in front of accessible lockers.

Grab rails and accessible benches help users with mobility challenges, whilst good lighting and clear signage within your locker room assist those with visual impairments. The extra space and features you provide for accessibility often benefit all users, creating a more comfortable environment overall.

Customise for Your Sector

Different environments need different solutions, and one size definitely doesn’t fit all.

Schools typically need robust, vandal-resistant equipment within a locker room, that can handle hundreds of users daily. Bright, easy-to-clean colours work well, and you might want to consider locker sizes that accommodate modern school bags and sports equipment.

Gyms and leisure centres benefit from a more sophisticated approach. Members expect a certain level of comfort and convenience within a locker room, so consider features like charging points, hair dryer stations, and premium finishes.

Healthcare facilities require the highest hygiene standards within a locker room. Specify materials that can withstand frequent disinfection, and consider touchless features where possible.

Workplace locker room: these often need to balance professional appearance with functionality. Clean, modern designs with good lighting and ventilation create a positive environment for staff.

Space-Saving Solutions That Actually Work

Most facilities want to maximise capacity without creating cramped conditions. The trick is working vertically and choosing efficient layouts.

Double-tier lockers can nearly double your storage capacity in the same floor space, provided you have adequate ceiling height. They work particularly well in schools and gyms where users don’t typically need full-height storage.

Corner units make use of space that might otherwise be wasted, whilst island configurations can be more efficient than wall-mounted rows in larger spaces.

Consider mobile storage solutions for spaces that serve multiple functions. Rolling equipment can transform a changing room into a multipurpose space when needed.

Why UK Manufacturing Matters

When you’re specifying UK manufactured shelving and lockers, you’re not just supporting local industry: you’re often getting better service and flexibility. UK manufacturers can typically offer:

• Faster delivery times
• Custom sizing to fit your exact space
• Better after-sales support
• Easier warranty claims and maintenance

For bespoke projects or unusual spaces, working with UK manufacturers often proves more cost-effective than trying to adapt imported standard sizes.

Your Locker Room Planning Checklist

Before you finalise any plans, run through this quick checklist:

• Traffic flow: Can people move through the space efficiently during peak times?
• Storage capacity: Do you have adequate lockers for your maximum expected users?
• Accessibility: Are all areas accessible to users with disabilities?
• Hygiene: Can all surfaces be cleaned easily and effectively?
• Security: Are belongings properly protected without creating user inconvenience?
• Ventilation: Is air circulation adequate to prevent odours and moisture problems?
• Lighting: Can users see clearly in all areas, including inside lockers?
• Future flexibility: Can the layout be adapted if your needs change?

Creating the perfect locker room isn’t about following a rigid formula: it’s about understanding your users and creating spaces that work seamlessly for them. Get the basics right, choose quality equipment that matches your specific needs, and you’ll have facilities that serve you well for decades.

At Rackline, we work with facilities managers across all sectors to create storage solutions that actually work in the real world. If you’re planning a new changing facility or locker room, or upgrading an existing one, we’d be happy to discuss your specific requirements. Talk to our team on 01782 770144, drop us an email to info@rackline.co.uk or fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.